Oxalis from seed?

OK, I know oxalis germinates easily lol or there wouldn't be those weeds that are SOOO invasive. But, the ornamental oxalis, do those seed germinate as easily? I have several that have seed pods developing and I'd love to grow them out, see if I get anything neat. Should I collect the seed or will I get a good rate by just letting them fall to the ground? I didn't hand pollinate these so it's not like I'm keeping track of a cross. About how long might it take to get blooms? That probably depends on the species, huh?

Any input here would be very helpful!

Thanks-

Lynn

Funny you should ask Az, I've done some from seed successfully. ;)

For Oxalis I use those 5" wide by 4" high clay pots and fill with a good germinating mix. Or you can use good quality potting soil on the bottom half and germinating mix on the top (which is what I actually do). Get it wet, let it drain. From here on out, this is how I do it because I don't like to deal with real small seeds. I snap of the whole seed head off the plant and then put about 4-6 on the surface of the soil. Then I put it on a shelf or something and as soon as its October and it thinks about cooling off a bit around here I start watering them. The ones that have germinated have done so within 30-90 days from Oct (the seeds might have been sitting in the pot all summer though prior to fall)--I don't wait any longer than that on them. They start growing over the winter and I've had them bloom 2nd year. I've also done seeds I've exchanged with people this way. I sow pretty heavy with tiny to small bulb species, its easier, takes up less room, and you can always dump and divide after the second season during dormancy.

Don't know if this helps any. They sit outside, no greenhouse here, climate like yours on plant shelves--rain or shine.
=)

That does help Debbie, thanks! Do I wait until the pods start to turn brown?

Lynn

yes
=)

Thanks!

Lynn which ones are setting seeds?
Debbie thanks for the germinating tips. I had no clue they set seed. another thing I have to go and look at.

A white triangularis, mijke, charmed velvet, and another. Tropicanna traded me a couple of a couple different ones for some seeds this spring, and the addition of the ones she sent seemed to have gotten that white one to set seed because it never did before, they are all fairly close so they must be crossing, fun, huh?

That could be interesting. Since mine are planted all over and are all mixed up maybe I will get some interesting crosses.

yep!

I just dumped 3 pots of Oxalis last night that had gone dormant--2 S African species and a Texas native. I use one of those cardboard case boxes the vitamin water comes in (I'm a big consumer of vitamin water--lol--but beer and soda cases work just as good) and turn the pots over and gently spread around the potting soil (it should be dry). Pick thru it carefully--the bulbs can hide. I'm always amazed at the number of offsets--these 3 particular species were about the size of pencil erasers. So if you don't need zillions of them and you just want your collection in small pots (which is what I do); give them a season and they will rapidly increase for you--2 seasons and you'll have enough for in the ground if that's what you want.

Usually I do this every 2 years--sometimes every year if I know I put too many of them in the small pot to begin with. I have winter and summer growing species but I really like the winter growing ones the best.

It amazes me how you get so much growth and flower from pencil eraser sized bulbs.

I really only mess with seeds these days if its something I don't already have--usually seeds from seeds exchanges in various organizations I belong to.

Another thing that's nice about them--most of the species anyway (not sure on the hybrids), really don't like much if any fertilizer--grow them lean. Just make sure the potting soil is good quality and has excellent drainage. That's the key with the Oxalis species anyway, excellent drainage. And bloom will be better in sun.

Its also a very "portable" collection if you need to move.

This Oxalis brasiliensis is coming out of the ground and into a pot just as soon as it goes down. I know it will get lost in the mulch and weeds next season.

Oh, it's all starting to sound like a lot of work lol

not really at all compared to other bulbs--you can put the box in your lap and watch TV in the ac while you do it. Remember these are in very small pots--I post you a pick later of the size. It might be a bit "tedious" but definitely not hard work.

I actually did those 3 last night to take my mind off all the much more labor intensive work I need to be doing, like digging Louisiana Iris. =)

OK, I agree, tedious is more accurate :)